Lhasa Travel Guide

Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is one of the highest cities in the world with an altitude of 3,700 meters. It sits in a valley next to the Lhasa River in southeast Tibet with a population of 550,000 dominated by Tibetans. The city connects Nyingchi in the east, Shannan in the south, Shigatse in the west and Nagqu in the north.

Lhasa means "Land of the Gods" in Tibetan. The city has a history of over 1,300 years. Songtsan Gampo unified Tibet by the mid 7th century and established Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace at this area. Since then Lhasa has the political, economic and cultural center of Tibet.
 

Attractions

Nicknamed “City of Sunlight”, Lhasa is undoubtedly the most featured and dreamt-about cities in the world not only for its natural landscape on the snow plateau but also the significant Tibetan Buddhist sites.

Potala Palace, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List In 1994 is the symbol and top attraction in Lhasa. Chakpori Hill is an ideal location for taking photographs of Potala Palace. A trip to Lhasa is incomplete without visiting Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, which are considered as the center of Lhasa by local Tibetans. Norbulingka, the summer palace of Dalai Lama, has great cultural value and is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Drepung Temple is the largest monastery in Tibet while Sera Temple is famous for its tantric teachings.
 
                     Jokhang Temple                                                 Lake Namtso
Apart from the cultural attractions, Lhasa also has many natural landscapes. Lake Namtso, meaning “Holy Lake” in Tibetan, is the devout destination for pilgrims. Yangbajain, a town north of Lhasa, is famous for Yangpachen Hot Springs and the Geothermal Power Station which supplies electricity for Lhasa.

More Lhasa Attractions:
Drak Yerpa, Nietang Buddha, Tibet Museum, Ramoche Temple, Pala Manor, Dolma Lhakhang Temple, Ganden Temple, Karo-la Glacier, Naiqinkangsang Snow Mountain, Lhasa Carpet Factory.
 

Transportation

The most convenient way to get to Lhasa is by air due to its high altitude. Lhasa is easily accessed by train with the opening of Qinghai–Tibet Railway. Tourists can also get to Lhasa by bus and one can get around the city by mini buses, taxies or bicycles. Pedicab is the most famous of vehicles in Lhasa and most attractions in the city can be walked to. More about Lhasa Transportation>>
 

Weather

With an altitude of over 3,650 meters, the city of Lhasa enjoys a cool semi-arid climate. With nearly 3,000 hours of sunlight annually, it is called “sunshine city”. The annual average daily temperature is about 8°C (46°F) and the annual precipitation is approximately 500 millimeters. January is the coldest month and June is the warmest month with a daily average of 16.0°C (60.8°F). Most rainfall occurs in July, August and September. Summer and autumn are the best times for travelling. More about Lhasa Weather>>
 

Food

Tibetan food comes first when travelling in Lhasa. Local Tibetan food has its unique ethnic characteristic which is consisted mainly of barley, meat and dairy products and vegetables are scarce. Its flavor is fresh, light and tender with salt, onion, and garlic as the main ingredients. Tsampa, Butter, Tea, Beef and Mutton are called four treasures of Tibetan food. Besides, Highland Barley Wine and various dairy products are also famous local food. More about Lhasa Food>>
 

Restaurants

Restaurants in Lhasa are mainly located in Lhasa old district near the Jokhang Temple along Beijing Zhong Lu and Barkhor Street. Lhasa is not large but the restaurants here offer Tibetan, Sichuan cuisine, Western food as well as Nepali and Indian food. Most tourist restaurants serve delicacies and almost every hotel near Beijing Road has western food.
 

Shopping

 
                    Barkhor Street                                                Thangka Gallery
Lhasa is gathered with traditional Tibetan Handcrafts with ethnic flavor such as Thangka, gold and silver wares, Tibetan costumes, knife, prayer wheels and carpets. Tibet medicine is also famous and lots tourists like to buy saffron, aweto and snow lotus. Barkhor Street is the most famous commercial center in Lhasa where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs. More about Lhasa Shopping>>
 

Nightlife

Nightlife in Lhasa is not as colorful as the big cities in China even though it is a famous tourist destination. The activity is typically comprised of watching traditional Tibetan song and dance or enjoying tasty local snacks at the night market. Barkhor Street is also a good place to hang out for snacks and souvenirs. More about Lhasa Nightlife>>
 

Travel Tips

1. A visa and Tibet Travel Permit are required.
2. The Bank of China Tibet branch is at No.28 Lingkhor Xi Lu, Lhasa.
3. Move or climb slowly to adjust to the altitude and avoid Mountain Sickness.
4. Show respect to local customs.